Park plans approved

Springtown votes to move meetings to Fridays

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

SPRINGTOWN - Improvements to Springtown’s city park are a step closer following the town council’s approval of plans submitted by Don Johnston, the town’s engineer for the project.

Johnston presented the council with plans he prepared for park improvements, which include playground equipment, picnic tables, basketball courts, a pavilion, flag pole and lighting. The improvements will be paid for with funding obtained through an Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods Grant awarded to the town in the amount of $45,000.

According to draft minutes, a motion to accept Johnston's plans was unanimously approved.

According to the draft minutes, Johnston will now forward the plans to Cassie Elliott, the grant administrator. If she approves them, she will forward them to the state. Once approval is given by the state, the town can proceed with going to bid.

An ordinance regarding fees for opening or closing streets and alleyways was also unanimously approved.

Carla Wasson, the town’s attorney, presented the council with a written proposed ordinance which would allow the town to charge a reasonable fee to petitioners for opening or closing streets or alleyways within the corporate town limits. Draft minutes state that petitioners would be responsible for collecting the prorated portions of the fee from all the abutting landowners signing the petition and giving the payment to the town clerk.

The ordinance was passed on three readings with a single vote and with an emergency clause attached.

An additional city ordinance was passed on three readings with a single vote to move the town’s meeting times to 6 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. The change was made to accommodate a scheduling conflict of council member Amanda Richardson.

Mayor Paul Lemke reported that the paving for the approaches to the new bridge on Aubrey Long Road was delayed, first due to high water and now due to rain. It will be accomplished when weather conditions permit, Lemke said. He also reported that Bredehoeft and Old Springtown Roads were closed temporarily, secondary to the bridge being impassible. Gravel had washed down and filled in the tubes, causing flooding. He asked the council’s permission to let Reams Excavating be given the job of keeping the gravel cleaned away.

In exchange for his services, Reams would be allowed to keep the gravel. The town has no use for the gravel since it cannot be used for town roads. The council agreed to this, according to draft minutes.

Lemke reported that the town has not yet received the fire-protection contract from Highfill.

He said the town’s sirens were to be tested last Saturday.

The town’s park committee said plans are being finalized for the annual Barbecue to be held on the afternoon and evening of Saturday, June 8.

Lemke said that, in response to FEMA's letter stating the town should refund $30,000 in emergency funds, the town submitted a formal appeal to FEMA to reverse the refund determination and to allow the town to retain the money. Lemke said he will continue to follow up on the issue.

News, Pages 1 on 05/29/2013